Officials of the City of Joplin are currently working on a plan to “redevelop” Joplin Memorial Hall that includes demolishing our existing historic Memorial Hall, which is listed as both a Local Landmark and in the National Register of Historic Places. As an organization advocating for local history and historic preservation, we join those who oppose any plan that calls for the demolition of this significant piece of Joplin history when due diligence has yet to be made. We invite you to answer this call to action by signing up for email updates below (or clicking here to access the form).
A Brief History of Joplin Memorial Hall
After the conclusion of World War I, the American Legion and City officials began a drive to build a grand opera house and convention hall as a memorial to the brave national defenders who served in all branches of the military. After a bond was passed to finance the project, contractor A.S. Greenwell and O.C. Weeks Construction Company began work on the $250,000 building in August of 1924. Locally prominent architects Alfred and August Michaelis designed the memorial. Unfortunately, the building became a memorial to one of them as well. On July 29, 1925, 44-year-old Alfred fell fifty feet from scaffolding while inspecting the nearly-completed building. The Joplin Globe described the architect’s death as such: “Mr. Michaelis designed Memorial Hall, which will stand as a crowning architectural achievement of his life. Fate decreed that he should die in the edifice of his own creation.”
Nearly 2,000 people attended Memorial Hall’s dedication ceremony on October 18, 1925. The 203rd artillery regimental band played military music and various dignitaries gave patriotic speeches expressing the community’s gratitude for the sacrifices of those who served their country. A few months later, two bronze plaques were installed, one in memory of Alfred S. Michaelis and the other a tribute to those who had given their lives in World War I. After World War II, a stone monument and eternal flame were installed at the corner of 8th and Joplin streets that lists the 160 Joplin service members who died in that war. In later years, a monument was erected on the west side of the building for those who lost their lives in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
Memorial Hall’s striking facade originally featured wide steps leading up to five double doors separated by four massive pillars. The 4,110 seat auditorium included the largest stage in Joplin at the time. The country’s finest performers and speakers appeared in the hall: Al Jolson, Nelson Eddy, Artur Rubenstein, the Ballet Russe, operas such as Aida and Carmen, Eleanor Roosevelt, Admiral Richard Byrd, Marian Anderson, and many, many more. The hall underwent a major renovation in 1977 that removed the front steps, replacing them with a ramp. Interior improvements included new heating and air-conditioning, upholstered seats, new sound equipment, and lighting and carpeting in the hallways. Henry Mancini’s orchestra was the first to perform in the newly renovated building. More contemporary events and performances at Memorial Hall include city and community events, circuses, rodeos, operas, concerts, private rentals, and much more. Indeed Joplin Memorial Hall was in use up until it’s June 2020 closure, when the roof partially collapsed (due to deferred maintenance) and the City shut its doors.
Let’s work together to save Joplin Memorial Hall!
